The Victors

The myths of the immediate post-War period appeared first in the ranks of the victorious Allied Powers. They emerged very quickly - usually within a few years. The victory over the German Reich and National Socialism / Fascism was of course at the forefront of recollection in all countries. This explains why the 8 th (in some countries) or the 9 th of May is still celebrated as a national holiday in many countries. Nevertheless, every country has its own memory of the event.
America picked up on the objectives it had pursued in engaging in the Second World War. The United States wanted to defend American values - democracy and freedom - within and outside its borders. The "Great Patriotic War" was the predominant event in the history of the Soviet Union. Russia's self-perception as a major power is based to this very day on that event. Great Britain still sees itself as part of the "Big Three" who came together at Yalta in February 1945. Churchill in league with Roosevelt and Stalin embodies Britain's last chance to have a hand in deciding the fate of the planet. France could preserve its vision of itself as a great power because it was recognized by the Allies as one of the victors. The 9 th of May, celebrated in the People's Republic of Poland as the "Day of Victory", was one of the most important remembrance days. In this act of remembrance the People's Republic of Poland saw itself in partnership with the allies on many fronts not least in the occupation of Germany. As in other countries, the Norwegians had fought on the side of the Allies to win the war. Here, too, the memory of resistance and victory made up for the memories of the occupation.

USA
Soviet Union/Russia
Great Britain
France
Poland
Norway